When entrepreneurs are looking for funding for their companies, it is common for them to use several formulas. The first of these is to try to contact investors individually through their contact email or social networks.
As we have mentioned on the blog on occasion, many co-founders make the mistake of making communications and sending them en masse, without personalizing the messages or stopping to see what type of start-up companies each business angel or venture capital firm invests in. Thus, practically what they are doing is Spam that ends up in the recycling bins of the recipients. What should prevail in this case is not quantity, but 'quality', that is, how appropriate these contacts are for their companies depending on the time in which they are, the average ticket they handle, the segments in which they usually participate, etc. However, there are other more face-to-face strategies, although right now the world of 'physical' events is quite at a standstill because of the coronavirus. Entrepreneurs have some opportunities to reach investors in person at fairs, congresses, round tables and even demo days that culminate months-long acceleration processes. In this line are also the so-called 'investment forums'. Thus, at one time they can aim at several 'objectives'.
What does an investment forum consist of
Unlike other events such as those mentioned above, where there may be exhibitions, talks, workshops, etc., investment forums are organized specifically with venture capital in mind. Its objective is to pool investors with projects that may be attractive to them to incorporate into their portfolios and portfolios.In this regard, the organizers do a great job of filtering and selecting so that the business angels and funds that attend can 'match' with the participating companies. Investment forums can focus on startups or companies that are listed. And not all of them focus only on the world of technology. To participate, entrepreneurs or entrepreneurs usually have to fill out a form. Each investment forum sets requirements or conditions, so you need to read them in advance so you don't apply for nothing.
The main investment forums in Spain
In our country there are a multitude of investment forums, with some that already have a certain tradition. Capital Pymes Forum has been offering face-to-face forums for capital increases and financing for a long time, with 29 million euros obtained so far in loans and capital. Right now they have transferred these events to the digital realm. The next appointment will be on October 27.Keiretsu, with more than 53 offices in 27 countries, is another classic of investment forums. From its founding in Spain in 2008 to 2015, they invested 20 million euros in the capital of some 80 startups and innovative companies. Due to the pandemic, they have recently decided to hold these events online as well. Business schools also organize their own investment forums. This is the case of ESADE, which offers opportunities to its ESADE BAN members from time to time. Along the same lines is IESE, which since 2003 has brought together investors and businessmen from all over Spain thanks to its forums organized simultaneously in Madrid and Barcelona by videoconference. In his case, he has addressed verticals such as tourism, food, life sciences, biodiversity, luxury products, etc. A final example would be that of Healthcare Barcelona Investment Forum, which has already held 26 editions and is co-organized by the Barcelona Medical Association, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona Activa and ESADE BAN and Biocat. Here we are talking about a very specialized forum where entrepreneurs who apply must have biotechnology projects, medical instruments, health services or ICT related to the world of health.
